What are async hooks in Node.js and how do they compare to other async patterns?

What are async hooks in Node.js?

Async hooks are a mechanism in Node.js that allow you to track asynchronous resources and their lifecycle. They provide a way to create a context for asynchronous operations, enabling you to maintain state across async calls.

How do async hooks compare to Promises?

Async hooks provide a more granular way to track async operations compared to Promises. While Promises represent a single value that may be available now or in the future, async hooks allow you to manage and track multiple async operations and their contexts.

Can you give an example of when to use async hooks?

You might use async hooks for logging, monitoring, or debugging asynchronous operations, especially in complex applications where tracking the flow of async calls is crucial.

Are there any performance concerns with using async hooks?

Yes, using async hooks can introduce some overhead, as they track the lifecycle of async resources. It's important to use them judiciously to avoid performance degradation.